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NIAB appoints Bentley as director of Genetics and Breeding

Alison Bentley holds a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney. | Contributed photo

Dr. Alison Bentley, who has been with the U.K. crop research organization National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) for nine years, was appointed director of Genetics and Breeding effective today, when Professor Andy Greenland retires.

The NIAB Genetics and Breeding division is a global leader in crop transformation, crop genetics and pre-breeding because of the work Greenland has done since he was appointed in 2005. He also developed the pre-breeding platform, delivering new sources of crop genetic diversity and improving productivity, efficiency and sustainability of U.K. crop production systems.

“Part of NIAB’s vision to lead the U.K. in crop innovation is a further expansion of our pre-breeding capabilities, alongside a clear commitment to invest in, and to attract, high-caliber employees,"
NIAB Chief Executive
Dr. Tina Barsby said. "We are delighted to be able to promote a scientist of Alison’s strength and experience from within our organization; going forward she is the ideal candidate to lead and develop our research activities,”

Bentley is an agricultural science graduate and Ph.D. recipient from the University of Sydney.

“It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to lead NIAB’s research activity in bridging the recognized gap between our basic understanding of plant genetics and our ability to apply that knowledge into practice,” Bentley said. “I am also privileged to carry on Andy Greenland’s work as no one has contributed more to NIAB’s reputation and achievements in crop genetics. He set a high standard for research excellence and commercial success within our sector, and built a superb team around him. His colleagues across the whole organization will miss him greatly and wish him all the best for his retirement.”